Roisin O 'Grady at Christchurch Cathedral Waterford.

 

Lagrime mie  Barbara Strozzi
From Rosy Bowers    Purcell
Lord What is Man   

Phobus eilt mit schnellen Pferden   BMV518   Bach
Bist du bei mir      BMV508

Ave Maris Stella       Nicholas de Grigny



Malcolm Proud and Róisín O Grady



 Oh ! for a quill, drawn from your wing
To write the praises of th'Eternal Love;
Oh! for a voice like yours to sing
That anthem here, which once you sung above
Hallelujah!
 from Lord, what is man Purcell

The sun was splitting the stones outside the lovely 18th century Christchurch Cathedral in  Waterford and there was an audience of around 70 to hear local soprano, Roisin O Grady  give a recital of Baroque arias accompanied by Malcolm Proud.   The performance by the duo would have graced any major international venue and was available to Waterford audiences for a very modest entry fee. Firstly full marks for providing texts and translations to each item. Roisin and Malcolm elaborated with succint spoken introductions which added much  to the enjoyment of the occasion. Her voice is very much suited to this repertoire, very clear and pure , effortlessly agile in the florid sections, every syllable clearly articulated and all delivered with her great artistry in conveying the emotion in the song.  I particularly enjoyed the Purcell numbers throughout whether at the harpsichord or organ , Malcolm Proud's accompaniment was just right .

Perfect!  This will surely be the recital of the year  for me.